Bellevue Avenue, Oakland: A pelican skims the sun-dappled waters of Oakland's Lake Merritt. Nearby, a saxophonist leaning against the column of a pergola plays a melancholy tune. A couple stop to sit and listen, as breathless runners with MP3 players strapped to their arms sprint past. Out on the lake, a solo rower glides past a couple in a petite sailboat. Collectively, they create the scene of an idyllic summer afternoon.

3. Edoff Memorial Bandstand

666 Bellevue Ave.: When Walter Reed and William Corlett designed this elegant octagonal bandstand, they fashioned it after a bandstand in Milan. Constructed in 1923 , it's hosted bands for decades amongst its eight limestone columns. Stop to view the details of its interior light fixture and the understated beauty of the ceiling.

4. Lake Merritt Boating Center

568 Bellevue Ave.: Rowing and sailing club members gather here, along with those who simply want to get out on to the water in a rented pedal boat, rowboat, canoe, kayak or sailboat. Or go a little grander and ponder that trip to Venice while taking a romantic gondola cruise. (510) 238-2196, (866) 737-8494. www.gondolaservizio.com.

5. Bellevue-Staten Building

492 Staten Ave.: Designed by Herman C. Baumann, the elegant, 15-story red-brick building mixes Art Deco and Spanish colonial styles, making it one of the most gorgeous apartment buildings overlooking Lake Merritt. Constructed in 1929 and adorned with striking architectural details, it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

6. Cleveland Cascade

Lakeshore Avenue, between Brooklyn Avenue and Boden Way: Flowers have replaced the water that tumbled down what was once a tiered water feature, designed by landscape architect Howard Gilkey. Today, its twin stairs make it a popular place for walkers and runners seeking a serious cardio workout. www.clevelandcascade.org.

PARKING

Free, limited parking in public lots around Lake Merritt.

GETTING THERE

Public transit: Take BART to the Lake Merritt station and walk north on Oak Street. Continue north on Lakeside Drive to Lake Merritt, then around the northeast horn of the lake.

By car: From the Bay Bridge, take Interstate 580 east to the Harrison Street exit. Turn right on Harrison Street, left on Grand Avenue, and Bellevue Avenue is a right into the parking lot of Lakeview Park.

GOOD TO KNOW

Take a docent-led tour of the Camron-Stanford House, 1-5 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. Built in 1876, this grand Italianate Victorian is the only remaining one on Lake Merritt's shores. $3-$5, free for children younger than 11 when accompanied by an adult. 1418 Lakeside Drive. (510) 444-1876. www.cshouse.org.